Action Groups - The Valley Setting

Sustainability
Sustainability is the thread which will run through all of the valley initiatives, weaving them together to deliver a true Renaissance. Sustainability will be delivered through the integration of social progress and economic development with the enhancement of the valley setting and the use of renewable energy. Social progress must promote better health, housing and access to work and recreation and address problems of poverty and social inclusion. Economic development must contribute to, and not destroy, quality of life whilst developing local skills and jobs. Enhancement of the valley setting will protect things that people value, such as wildlife, landscape and historic buildings. The use of renewable energy will help to ensure that there is a planet left for future generations to enjoy.

Strategy
To integrate the Renaissance Strategy to form one cohesive plan, simultaneously filling in gaps and overlooked areas of action. To create an overview of linkages and impacts and to work alongside the Valley Action Groups.

The Valley Setting
The beauty of the Calder Valley is a result of its geology and topography and more recently the interaction between its natural state and the way people have sought to utilise it. The Valley draws people from far and wide to enjoy the countryside and experience the beauty of both its natural and industrial heritage. The challenges that are inherent in living, working and playing in a 'tourist' valley are multitudinous. Whilst local people recognise the value of their environment and want to share it with others the pressures that are created through changes in land use and the requirement to provide acceptable levels of growth can equally be the cause of its degradation. The settlements that lie along the valley bottom are disconnected from each other and equally from the smaller hamlets that are clustered on the tops. Each have their own individual identity that must be supported yet it is essential that the Upper Calder Valley as a whole finds an identity that is all encompassing, inclusive and co-operative.

Strategy
To nurture a living, working landscape for people and nature, representing the Valley and the tops; to create an overview of the impacts of valley wide actions and provide an understanding of linkages and impacts the length of the Valley; to work alongside and integrate the ideas generated by the Valley Action Groups.

• Identify existing actions and gaps and create a Valley identity that can be recognised by all who live in it
• Develop a land management programme to conserve and enhance the Valley’s best features
• Recognise the value of the water corridor and develop it sensitively for both today and the future
• Improve access to the valley bottom creating links between the individual settlements by foot, cycle and horseback
• Preserve and improve the biodiversity and ecology of the whole Valley
• Utilise and protect existing buildings of quality in an environmentally sustainable manner.

• Gather data, conduct audits and character assessments, and map areas appropriate for work, e.g. degraded land, river regime, condition of open space, access issues, woodland suitable for biomass, etc.
• Prioritise actions that arise from audit and liaise with relevant parties.
• Develop a valley wide sustainable land management strategy, ensuring integration of key valley users.
• Facilitate network of concerned parties and implement strategies.

Renewable Energy

Strategy
To establish an Upper Calder Valley Renewable Energy Network.

• Encourage the take up of green energy technologies in the Upper Calder Valley
• Provide information, support and training
• Combat fuel poverty by enabling low income households to access renewable energies
• Establish best practice to act as a beacon for other users to follow
• Use renewables as the engine to drive the social, economic and environmental regeneration of communities across the Valley
• Enable group buying of equipment and services and maximise community benefits.

1. To carry out a valley wide energy audit
2. To develop a valley wide energy strategy
3. To work with existing planning policy and to implement regional strategies and targets for renewable energy
4. To create a one-stop shop for community groups, individuals and businesses
5. To create Neighbourhood Energy Plans.

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